WISCONSIN FLOW REPORT
Last Updated: January 2, 2026
Wisconsin's rivers are experiencing a mix of conditions, from below-normal flows to notable surges that may raise concerns for water enthusiasts. Of particular interest is the Fox River at Appleton, which shows no change in streamflow over the last 24 hours, but its flow remains significantly below normal at -46.29%, paralleled by a high gage height of 5.53 feet, suggesting localized issues affecting flow levels. Similarly, the Fox River at Oil Tank Depot at Green Bay has seen a sharp increase in streamflow with a change of 227.69 cubic feet per second (cfs), yet it is -77.58% below normal, indicating possible flood risks or dam operations. The St. Croix River, a well-known whitewater trail, near Danbury reports a healthy streamflow increase of 112.9 cfs, placing it 12.4% above normal, which can be good news for recreational paddlers. Contrastingly, the Wisconsin River across different locations, such as at Muscoda, reports a streamflow close to normal (+3.44%), yet other segments like at Wisconsin Rapids and Near Wisconsin Dells are well below normal, by -43.38% and -48.19% respectively, which could impact local ecology and water-based activities.
On the extreme side, the Trempealeau River at Dodge shows an unusual hike in streamflow at 61.26% above normal, which needs monitoring for potential flooding, while the Kickapoo River at La Farge sees an increase of 29.2% above normal, likely benefiting the recreational use of the river. River enthusiasts should take caution and check local advisories, as these deviations may affect safety conditions on the water. The diverse conditions of Wisconsin's rivers call for heightened awareness from all river users, from anglers to whitewater enthusiasts, as the state's waterways continue to reveal a complex picture of hydrological variance.
Wisconsin is characterized by a humid continental climate with distinct seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. Major rivers include the Mississippi, St. Croix, Wisconsin, and Menominee, which are fed by tributaries that drain into the Great Lakes or the Mississippi River. The region also contains numerous reservoirs and dams, including the Wisconsin River system and the Chippewa River. Hydrology in Wisconsin is affected by snowpack, which can lead to spring flooding, and by changes in land use and agricultural practices. In recent years, the state has experienced an increase in extreme precipitation events, leading to more frequent flooding and erosion. Overall, the state's hydrology is complex and influenced by multiple factors, including climate, topography, and human activity.
Explore Rivers
- Baraboo River
- Bark River
- Bear River
- Black River
- Bois Brule River
- Brule River
- Chippewa River
- Crawfish River
- East River
- Embarrass River
- Flambeau River
- Grant River
- Jump River
- Kewaunee River
- Kickapoo River
- Kinnickinnic River
- Lemonweir River
- Little Menomonee River
- Little Wolf River
- Manitowoc River
- Menominee River
- Menomonee River
- Milwaukee River
- Mississippi River
- Mukwonago River
- Namekagon River
- Nemadji River
- Oconto River
- Pecatonica River
- Peshtigo River
- Pike River
- Pine River
- Platte River
- Popple River
- Prairie River
- Puchyan River
- Rock River
- Root River
- Sheboygan River
- Spirit River
- Sugar River
- Tomorrow River
- Trempealeau River
- Trout River
- Waupaca River
- White River
- Willow River
- Wisconsin River
- Wolf River
- Yahara River
- Yellow River